MSc High Performance Computing (HPC)

This MSc course is designed to provide graduates with the skills to meet industrial, commercial and research needs to enable them to practise as effective professionals in the area of High Performance Computing. HPC is the use of modern, powerful, parallel, multi-core processors to provide solutions to problems encountered in a range of areas.

State-of-the-art HPC Wales project facilities are used on this course to provide access to some of the most advanced computing technology available.  The HPC Wales project is set to have a major impact on the Welsh economy and to create more than 400 jobs across key industry sectors both in the public and private sectors.

Key facts

• Work with state-of-the-art technology
• Develop knowledge and skills in the specialist application area of parallel and multi-core processing
• Access to the HPC Wales infrastructure and processor hubs
• Research orientated environment - taught by staff who are part of the Creative and Applied Research for the Digital Society (CARDS) research centre
• Current research project areas using this technology include: Advanced materials and manufacturing, Creative industries, Energy and environment and Life sciences and many more

Course duration

Full-time: 1 year

Part-time: 2/3 years

Location: Wrexham

Start month: September

Course Content

MSc High Performance Computing (HPC)

The course comprises six compulsory taught modules delivered over two semesters followed by an independent research dissertation/project. Personal development planning is an integral part of the learning process of each element of the programme.

• Fundamentals of HPC Hardware & Software
• Parallel and Distributed Architectures
• Parallel and Multicore Programming
• Postgraduate Study and Research Methods
• Applications of HPC
• IT Project & Services Management
• Dissertation/Project

Career opportunities

Computer scientists with advanced skills and knowledge in parallel processing are needed to help find solutions to real world problems, not only in various branches of Science and Engineering, but also in the creative, financial and social spheres. The MSc in HPC is an ideal foundation for these kinds of careers.  Alternatively, the knowledge and skills gained from this course provide an excellent base to pursue an academic career leading towards a PhD.

Entry requirements

The standard entry requirement for the MSc programme is an honours degree of at least 2:2 classification in a Computer Science related subject area, or equivalent in a science-based degree with a strong computing and/or engineering element. In particular, it is expected that the applicant would have a strong programming background.  In some cases applicants with substantial commercial or industrial experience can be accepted, subject to interview and references.

Assessment

A wide range of assessments is employed including programming design and algorithms, research, coursework, group assignments and presentations, as well as, a written exam and a dissertation or project.